US Government Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Fully Funded with VISA ASSURED)

Course(s) Offered: Exchange program (incl. community service)Course Level: Undergraduate (non-degree training)Provider: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural AffairsCountry to Study in: USAScholarship Description
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) brings future leaders to the U.S. to experience the U.S. educational system, share their culture, and explore U.S. culture and values.

Since 2008, World Learning has provided this opportunity to approximately 2,000 Global UGRAD students. Participants leave the U.S. with the tools to become leaders in their professions and communities. Global UGRAD alumni go on to receive Fulbright grants, obtain prestigious international internships, and work in business and government in their home countries. Global UGRAD is administered by World Learning on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The Global UGRAD provides one semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world for non-degree full-time study combined with community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment.

Eligibility
Program Eligibility:
Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. Competition for the program is highly competitive and merit based. Finalists will be selected on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential, and their preparedness for study in the U.S.

The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone who is/has:

over 18 years of age;

a citizen of a Global UGRAD participating country*, currently residing in that country;

enrolled as an undergraduate in good standing at any accredited university, public or private, and has at least one semester remaining at their home university at the conclusion of the Global UGRAD program;

completed secondary education in their home country;

a solid command of written and spoken English (English Language training for some finalists is possible);

able to begin studies in the U.S. in August 2018 or January 2019 (selected participants may not defer to a later date);

eligible to receive and maintain the U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program;

cleared by a physician to participate in the program;

committed to returning to their home country after the completion of the program.

Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT ELIGIBLE for the Global UGRAD Program:

U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the U.S.;

Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of their home country;

Local employees of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;

Immediate family members (i.e. spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees; family members are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;

Current World Learning employees and their immediate family members

All students are required to be housed in campus facilities with an American roommate. Students often prefer single sex residence halls when available.

Participating Institutions
Over 70 diverse colleges and universities around the U.S.

Fields of study
Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply for the Global UGRAD Program. Possible fields of study include the humanities, arts, social sciences, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, engineering, and applied sciences.

Sponsorship duration
Will cover only one U.S. semester

Scholarship benefits
To promote mutual understanding between people of the United States and other countries.

Provide a fulfilling exchange experience to drive academic, cross-cultural, and leadership competencies for students from Global UGRAD countries.

Enhance students' academic knowledge and professional skills needed to pursue long-term academic and career goals.

Cultivate students' comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the U.S.

Facilitate opportunities for students to establish social networks with U.S. host institutions and local communities.

Empower students to engage constructively in the civic life of their local and global communities.

Health coverage is provided through the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). ASPE is a self-funded, limited health care benefit plan designed to pay covered medical expenses for eligible exchange participants. Covered medical expenses are subject to limitation and pre-existing conditions are not covered. This plan is not an insurance policy. Therefore, if the participant should have any serious medical care, he/she should seek additional health insurance on their own behalf.

Method of Application
To apply, please create only one application. If you forget your password or have difficulty logging in, email exchangeprograms@worldlearning.org for assistance. The application will close on the deadline date below. Start your application here.

DEADLINES:
The Global UGRAD application is open November 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017 5pm EST

PLEASE NOTE:
World Learning is an international nonprofit organization that focuses on international development, education, and exchange programs. Based in Brattleboro, Vermont, World Learning "unlocks the potential of people to address critical global issues" through its five core program areas: The Experiment in International Living, SIT Study Abroad (including the International Honors Program), the SIT Graduate Institute (formerly the School for International Training), and International Development and Exchange Programs.

Application Deadline: 31 December 2017Open to International Applicants: Yes